From the Official Reports - Capt. Philip
H. Schreyer
.
JUNE 13-JULY 31, 1864.--The Richmond (Virginia)
Campaign. No. 50.--Report of Capt. Philip
H. Schreyer, Fifty-third Pennsylvania Infantry, of operations July
26--30.
HDQRS. FIFTY-THIRD PENNSYLVANIA VETERAN VOLS.,
September 28, 1864.
SIR: In accordance with circular, I have the honor
to make the following report of operations of this regiment from the 26th
day of July, 1864, to the 30th day of July, 1864:
At 4 p.m. July 26 the regiment took up the line of
march and crossed the Appomattox River at Point of Rocks and moved on toward
the James River, which we crossed about 3 a.m. July 27, 1864, and after moving
about one mile from the river we halted until 6 a.m., when we moved forward
in line of battle for about half a mile, where we halted and formed in line
under the crest of a hill. The regiment was not engaged with the enemy, although
exposed to the fire of their batteries. In the evening of July 27, 1864,
the regiment was detailed as a support to the picket-line and moved out on
the New Market road, remaining here until the evening of July 28, when it
was relieved and rejoined the remainder of the brigade, where it was engaged
in building earth-works until daylight. After remaining here until 8 p.m.
of the evening of the 29th we received orders to march, and recrossing the
James and Appomattox Rivers arrived at or in front of Petersburg at daylight.
The regiment remained in rear of the Ninth Corps until dark, when we marched
back to the camp we occupied on the 26th.
There were no casualties in this regiment during the
above campaign.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient
servant,
P. H. SCHREYER,
Captain, Fifty-third Pennsylvania Vet. Vols., Comdg.
Regt.
Lieut. J. WENDEL MUFFLY,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
. |
JUNE 13-JULY 31, 1864.--The Richmond (Virginia)
Campaign. No. 51.--Report of Capt. James
Patton, Fifty-third Pennsylvania Infantry.
HDQRS. FIFTY-THIRD PENNSYLVANIA VETERAN VOLS.,
Near Petersburg, Va., August 7, 1864.
SIR :(*)
FIFTH EPOCH.
The march across the Chickahominy and James, and the
operations in front of Petersburg up to the assault on the enemy's position,
July 30, 1864.
At 9 p.m. June 12 the command was ordered to march.
Crossed the Chickahominy at Long Bridge, marched to near Charles City
Court-House, and bivouacked for the night.
At 8 p.m. June 14 crossed the James River on transports
and camped about one mile from the river on the south side.
At 10 a.m. June 15 marched, and on the morning of the
16th arrived in front of the enemy's fortification at Petersburg. Line of
battle was formed, with the regiment on the left of the line. The command
was then ordered forward by Colonel Beaver, commanding brigade. In advancing
through a corn-field the line was exposed to a severe fire from the enemy's
artillery. After advancing some distance a halt was ordered and breast-works
were constructed. At 6 p.m. the regiment, in connection with the remainder
of the brigade, was ordered to charge upon a rebel fort in our front. The
troops advanced gallantly, breasting a murderous fire from the fort of the
enemy. The line advanced nearly up to the fort, when it was found that the
line was not strong enough to carry the enemy's position. The troops were
pressed so hard on the lines of the enemy that many of the command were taken
prisoners. Those that were able to fall back formed promptly behind the
earth-works that had been constructed in the morning.
June 17, the regiment was deployed as skirmishers.
On the 18th it was discovered that the enemy had vacated
his position. The regiment advanced as skirmishers for about one mile and
a half when the enemy was found in a fortified position. In the evening were
relieved on the skirmish line and joined the remainder of the brigade.
On the 21st moved seven miles to the left of the line
and erected breast-works.
On the afternoon of the 22d moved forward through a
dense wood and formed line. Soon it was discovered that the enemy had flanked
us and were getting in our rear, and the command fell back to the line of
intrenchments, with a slight loss in missing. Remained here until July 10,
at 1 p.m., and then moved about half a mile to the left and went into camp
in rear of the breast-works, remaining until 3 a.m. July 12, when we moved
about two miles to the left and halted until 7 p.m. at the Williams house.
Then moved out to near Reams' Station, on the Weldon railroad, distance about
three miles, and remained until 11 p.m., when we returned to the Williams
house.
At 4.30 a.m. July 13 we took up the line of march for
this place, arriving here at 11 a.m., where we remained until July 26, at
4 p.m., when we took up the line of march, crossing the Appomattox River
at Point of Rocks and the James River at Jones' Neck, arriving at the latter
place at 3 a.m., and after marching about one mile from the river halted
to rest. At 6 o'clock moved forward in line of battle. We did not become
engaged with the enemy, although we were exposed to the shells from the enemy's
batteries.
On the evening of the 27th the regiment was detailed
as support to the picket-line, where it remained until the evening of the
28th, when it was relieved and joined the rest of the brigade, where it was
engaged in throwing up earth-works until daylight 29th. During the 29th remained
in camp, and at dark, with the remainder of the brigade, took up the line
of march, and crossing the James and Appomattox Rivers arrived in front of
Petersburg at 5 a.m. July 30, where we remained until 8 p.m., when we received
orders to march back to our former camp, where we are still encamped.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient
servant,
JAMES PATTON,
Captain, Fifty-third Pennsylvania Veteran Vols., Comdg.
Regt.
Lieut. J. WENDEL MUFFLY,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. |
